About the Ring in Praise Seminar
Saturday 31 May 2008

• Dunblane Cathedral in central Scotland is the venue for this annual event, which is for church musicians of any denomination who would like to explore the exciting role handbells, handchimes or belleplates can play in the music ministry of churches today.  Through lectures, hands-on workshops and demonstrations, delegates are equipped with sufficient resources, skills and enthusiasm to enhance (or initiate) their own handbell programme.  Ringers from any churches will find this a rewarding hands-on opportunity to learn new repertoire, develop skills and work under the coaching of experienced directors and ringers.
   
• Started in 1989 this event has attracted musicians from many churches the length and breadth of the country and has featured guest lecturers and workshop leaders from Scotland, England, Canada, Australia and the USA.  It has directly led to the formation of many handbell groups in churches throughout the country and offers support, exchange of ideas and forum for existing groups to develop their skills and effectiveness.
   
• The Sessions will include the following (from which delegates will be able to choose the most appropriate sessions for their situation):
  • Handbells, handchimes or belleplates with other instruments - repertoire read and ring session.
  • Congregational and Choral Voices and Handbells, handchimes or belleplates -  repertoire read, ring and sing session.
  • Handbells, handchimes or belleplates with narrations - repertoire read and ring session.
  • Ringing Processionals - build your own and repertoire read and ring session.
  • Be Better in the Battery - learn techniques for handling accidentals and multiple bells in the busy middle range of bells (techniques suitable for use in a group or as a solo ringer).
  • Ringing for the first time - Learn to Ring the basic ringing techniques and experience how they can be introduced to beginners of all ages.
  • Primary Ring - teaching tips, resources and music repertoire for working with children of primary school age.
  • Treble Tricks - learn techniques for handling multiple treble bells - including 4-in-hand, belltree and shelley techniques (all also suitable for a solo ringer).
  • Weddings Rings - simulate tower-bell change-ringing patterns on handbells, as well as ring through music suitable for a marriage ceremony.

  • Music repertoire read and ring sessions for handbells, belleplates or handchimes alone for varying difficulty levels and ranges.

  The Early Bird fee is £25.00 (£30 if sent after 20th May).